Saying Thank You this Summer

One of my best college friends came to visit over the weekend, and I started thinking about how I can thank her for flying across the country to see me. Well, of course I want to give her flowers, but what kind? Then I began thinking about my friends, their personalities and the different types of flowers that would be perfect for each of them. And that got me thinking about friends, neighbors and family who help out so much over the summer watching the dog, taking care of the yard or getting the mail while on vacation. Or the friends helping with the kids’ carpools to day camps or the relative who lets you use their beach house.

Flowers are a great way to thank them. By telling your florist a little bit about their personalities or even their home decorating style, your floral gift can be customized to truly touch their hearts. For example, here are five personality types and suggested flowers for them.

Tropical Flavor. Clustering tropical flowers is simple yet adds a rarity to any floral arrangement. Perfect for the friend with a laid back, relaxed style.

Down Home Country. An arrangement of sunflowers is a thoughtful way to thank someone with a sunny personality or a décor that reflects country living.

Classic Beauty. For friends with elegant homes and sophisticated tastes, send a classic monochromatic white arrangement in a curvy clear or shiny silver container. There are so many options available for flowers in white, including gypsophila, lilies and roses.

Color Lover. Sticking with a monochromatic theme is a perfect way to add a punch of color to a room. This is a great idea for the friend who adds color to your life, whether it be energy and excitement (like orange), calm and peace (like blue and lavender), or whimsical fun (like pink).

Whatever you choose, personalize it even more with a note to let your friend know why those flowers make you think of him or her. If you’re not sure which flowers would best appeal to the recipient, take the Floral Signature Quiz or ask your florist for suggestions.